Week Twelve, Day One

Why Bother?

We’ve talked about the fact that God is the Creator. He created absolutely everything that exists (seen and unseen). Have you ever wondered why? Why would a perfect God, who knows everything before it happens and doesn’t need anything from anyone, create the world knowing that mankind would abuse the freedom He gave them to make their own choices to turn away from God? Why would He create the world knowing that a battle between good and evil would be waged within it? The simple answer is, we don’t know. Maybe someday God will reveal all of that to us. As it is, our limited understanding draws us closer to a very mysterious God.

Here’s what we do know…Creation exists to bring glory to God and God alone. In other words, creation puts the spotlight directly on God. Creation proves that a Creator exists and it is a visible illustration of God’s power, majesty, and wisdom.

Review Romans 1:18-20 and study Psalm 8.

God alone sustains His creation. If He were to let go for even a second, all would be destroyed. But He doesn’t let go. God remains intimately involved with every aspect of His creation, demonstrating His love, His mercy, and His grace so that no one has any excuse to reject Him or His gift of eternal life.

Study Acts 17:24-28.

Include the following in your personal prayer time:

• Take time to thank God for specific things that He created, telling Him what each teaches you about Him.
  
• Ask God to make you sensitive to His presence and what He wants to teach you through His creation.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: Study Job 38-39.

 

 

Week Twelve, Day Two

Taking Care of God’s Creation

God created man and woman (In this study, we may use the term “man” to describe both at the same time.) in His own image. We did not evolve from some lower form of life. Each and every one of us is unique, which shows us that God is smart and creative. He doesn’t make clones, but designed us to be genetically diverse as we continue to reproduce the way that He always intended.

As beings created in God’s image, all men and women have been given the awesome responsibility of ruling over and taking care of God’s Creation. It is our privilege to care for what belongs to God. Adam was assigned this task before sin ever entered the world.

Study Genesis 1:26-2:25.

Although God allows us to care for and rule over His Creation, we must remember that it doesn’t belong to us. We don’t get to make the rules. Instead, it is our job to submit to God’s authority and carry out our responsibility according to the rules laid out for us in His Word, guiding others to do the same, even if some of God’s rules seem inconvenient or unpopular at times. For instance, if God says that it is wrong to take human life (and He does!), then we should care for human life. God is the creator of life and we are the caretakers of life.

Include the following in your personal prayer time:

• Thank God for the privilege of caring for His Creation and commit to take your responsibility seriously.
• Ask God to give you both boldness and sensitivity as you guide others to uphold His law and follow rules they may not fully appreciate yet.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: Study Psalm 139:1-18 and Psalm 104.

 

 

Week Twelve, Day Three

Satan

We know why and when some things were created, but some parts of creation are a mystery to us. For instance, there are many things about the spiritual world that we do not understand. The presence of evil, Satan and demons is a great mystery for certain. From the first moments in the Garden of Eden, we see the temptation of evil (Genesis 3:1). God has the power to crush evil, but He chooses not to destroy all evil yet; though the Bible is clear that there will be a day when all evil will end (Revelation 20:7-10).

The origin of Satan is unclear. We know he was created by God, but we do not know why. We are taught in scripture not to fear Satan, but we should respect his power and understand that we cannot stand up to him without God’s authority. Satan is more powerful than any person, but he is not more powerful than God. Satan is the one who accuses us, tempts us and works to destroy us. In his hatred toward God, Satan seeks to destroy all that God loves, especially God’s children.

Study Jude 8-10 and 1 John 4:1-4.

Include the following in your personal prayer time:

• Praise God as the one true God, the only one worthy of your worship.
• Ask God to take away any pride or arrogance in your own heart as you deal with temptation.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: Study 1 John 3:7-10.

 

 

Week Twelve, Day Four

Satan’s Limited Power

“When the devil tries to mess me up, I just think about how he can’t
take my Jesus from me.” –Hope, second grader

The Bible tells us that Satan has emotion, will and intelligence. In scripture, he is referred to as; Satan, Devil, Lucifer, Beelzebub, Belial, Evil one, Tempter, Prince of this world, God of this age, Prince of the power of the air, and the Accuser of the Brethren. He appears as the Serpent, the Dragon, and an Angel of Light. Satan is powerful and effective in his attacks. He is also a liar and a deceiver.

However, as a created being, his power is limited. For instance, he does not know everything as God does, nor can he be everywhere at once. God has put limitations on him and he can be resisted by Christians.

Study James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:6-11.

Include the following in your personal prayer time:

• Acknowledge God as being more powerful than Satan in your life.
• Commit to lean completely on God and to resist Satan’s attacks.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: Study 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

 

 

 

Week Twelve, Day Five

The Work of Satan

Satan was an active enemy of Christ while He lived on this earth, tempting Jesus and using people like Judas Iscariot to try and keep Jesus from carrying out His mission. The Devil is still at work, trying to distract people from God and God’s mission. But, you can stand against the temptations. You do not have to give in. Your faith and consistent walk with God are a constant defense.

Study Ephesians 6:11-18 and 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Include the following in your personal prayer time:

• Pray for those who are lost, that they would come to know Christ and be freed from Satan’s control over them.
• Thank God for rescuing you from the influence of Satan.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: Study 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5.

 

The Weekend

Suggested Reading: 1 Kings 18.

This is the story of Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal. It is a great story about God’s power over the enemy. As you study, be encouraged by Elijah’s boldness and confidence in God’s power. What can you learn from his example?

When you work on your scripture memory, be sure to review the verses that you have already learned so that you don’t lose them!